Bliss Bites / Golden Fun-time Balls
Golden Funtime Balls // Kenkō Kitchen. Image taken from the Bliss Bites Cookbook. Cookbook out December 1st through Hardie Grant. Photography by Elisa Watson, styling by Caroline Velik.
In the excitement of announcing my new cookbook, 'Bliss Bites', I thought I ought to share one of my favourite recipes from the book with you all!
This recipe is an ode to my favourite childhood ice cream, and with the current timing of the Streets-boycott-saga, I couldn't think of a more perfect to make your own bite-sized version.
If you have never eaten the classic Australian ice cream, the Golden Gaytime, I can tell you one thing - it leaves other ice creams in the shade. Although it's been a good million years since I ate one myself, I have fond memories of them and these balls instantly bring those memories flooding back. The buckwheat on the outside is reminiscent of the cookie crunch of the Gaytime, and the super delicious center reminds me of that caramel-vanilla ice cream you get inside. If you wanted to make these even more deluxe, you could dip the balls in raw melted chocolate before rolling them in the buckwheat. Insane.
Golden Fun-Time Balls
Makes 16
Prep time: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
12 medjool dates (about 240g), pitted
40g (1/3 cup) vanilla flavoured plant-based protein powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
90g (1/3 cup) nut butter, toasted coconut butter or seed butter
2 tablespoons caramelised buckwheat*, plus extra for coating
2 tablespoons raw honey or maple syrup
METHOD
Place the dates, protein powder, cinnamon (if using), nut butter, caramelised buckwheat and raw honey in your food processor or blender. Pulse until they're combined.
Take about a tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll into 3.5cm (1 1/2") balls then roll in caramelised buckwheat to lightly coat. Place the balls in an airtight container then put them in the fridge or freezer. These will keep for up to 2 weeks in the fridge, and a couple of months in the freezer.
Note: I use Loving Earth caramelised buckinis in this recipe. These can be found in all good health food shops, bulk wholefood stores and independent grocers across Australia.